Swing bed



July 7, 1964 E. A. KAMP ETAL SWING BED 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 q a INVENTOR.S

f 35 $72 firggefl ..%m, f4, M15024 Filed July 13, 1961 July 7, 1964 E.A. KAMP ETAL SWING BED 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 13, 1961 y 7, 1964 E.A. KAMP ETAL 3,139,629

SWING BED Filed July 13, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 IIII 5 w INVENTORS.

33 jaw 2 962 164014 //&M%

United States Patent 3,139,629 SWING BED Ewald A. Kamp, Chicago, and SamPanger, Oak Lawn,

IIL, assignors to The Englander Company, Inc., Chicago, Ill., acorporation of Delaware Filed July 13, 1961, Ser. No. 123,846 Claims.(Cl. 517) This invention relates to convertible bed structures.

According to one conventional practice, convertible bed structures arearranged to be repositioned between the nighttime and the daytime modesof usage by swinging the mattress-carrying member in a horizontal aregenerally about a front corner. Other convertible bed structures areknown which are arranged to be repositioned between the nighttime andthe daytime modes of usage by a sliding movement of themattress-carrying member along a straight line generally perpendicularto a stationary backrest member. Neither of these arrangements has founduniversal utility. In some rooms, conversion by a swinging action ismore convenient; and in others, conversion by a sliding movement is moreconvenient. In addition, persons possessed of one of the prior art typesof convertible bed structures finds himself somewhat restricted in theother furniture that he can arrange with the convertible bed in a givenroom because of the mode of conversion.

Therefore, an important object of the present invention is to provide aconvertible bed structure having a broad range of utility.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bed structure that isselectively convertible either by a swinging or by a sliding movement.

A more general object of the invention is to provide a new and improvedconvertible bed structure.

Additional objects and features of the invention pertain to theparticular structure and arrangements whereby the above objects areattained.

A structure in accord with the invention includes a backrest frameworkadapted to take a stationary position and including a laterallyextending element, a mattress framework movable relative to the backrestframework, means interacting between the frameworks to permit swingingand sliding of the mattress framework relative to the backrestframework, and means selectively locking the mattress framework meansagainst sliding or against swinging relative to the backrest framework.

In order that the principal of the invention may be readily understood,one embodiment thereof applied to a single-bed structure, but to whichthe application is not to be restricted, is shown in the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible bed structure fashioned incompliance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the mattress framework disassembledfrom the backrest framework, the bedding and backrest cushions beingremoved so as to reveal details of the structure;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, end elevational view of the bed structure of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line 44 of FIG. 3; 1

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged View taken along the line 66 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 3,illustrating the mattress frameworks locked against sliding movement;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to the showing of FIG. 7, being distinguishedfrom FIG. 7 by illustrating the mattress framework locked againstswinging movement;

3,139,629 Patented July 7, 1964 FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective viewof the principle elements illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the control knob andshaft of the locking means;

FIG. 11 is a view taken through the line 11--11 of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of one of the casters used forrollable supporting of the mattress framework.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2,a convertible bed structure indicated generally by the numeral 20 willbe seen to comprise a backrest assembly 22 and a mattress assembly 24.The backrest assembly 22 is arranged to be disposed in a stationaryposition and, as shown in FIG. 2, includes an upright framework 26defined by a lower, horizontal channel element 28, an upper, horizontalchannel element 30 and upstanding side channel members 32. The framework26 also includes a laterally extending element 34 disposed approximatelycoplanar to and at right angles with the element 28. The framework 26advantageously supports a storage cabinet structure 36 and is supporteditself on vertically adjustable feet 38. Desirably the storage cabinet36 is closured by a cushioned bolster element 40' which is mounted tothe storage cabinet 36 to swing in a vertical are for convenient accessto the cabinet.

With reference to FIG. 1, the mattress assembly 24 is seen to include aboxsprings unit 42 and a mattress unit 44 which are supported on amovable framework 46 best shown in FIG. 2. The framework 46 is arrangedto take generally rectangular shape and is comprised of a front angleelement 48, a side angle element 50, a back angle element 52 and a sideangle element 54, the elements 48, 50, 52 and 54 being rigidly connectedtogether by suitable means such as welding or bolting.

The framework 46 is arranged to be movable relative to the framework 26and is, therefore, rollably supported adjacent each corner.Specifically, the framework 46 is provided with diagonal plates 56bridging three of the corners. The right rear corner of the framework 46is illustrated in greater detail in FIG- 12. There, a support member 58will be seen to comprise a hollow cylindrical portion 60 and flared,wing-like brace portions 62, the portions 60 and 62 being welded to theplate 56 in depending relationship. For appropriate rollable support ofthis corner of the framework 46, a caster arrangement 64 is assembled tothe support 58, the vertical pintle 66 of caster arrangement 64 beinginserted in. the cylindrical portion 60 for pivotal movements therein.The pintle 66 is rigidly mounted to a frame 68 which carries an axle'70; and in compliance with the invention, a barrel-shaped roller 72 isrotatably mounted on the axle 70 as by the axle passing freely throughan axial bore formed in the roller. The ellipsoidal or barrel shape ofthe roller 72 permits approximately point contact between the roller andan underlying floor surface 74; and it is important to point out thatthis relationship facilitates orientation of the caster arrangement 64for swinging or for sliding movement of the framework 46.

Returning to FIG. 2, the front right hand corner of the framework 46 isindicated generally by the numeral 76; and this corner of the frameworkis supported on a roller arrangement 78 having a fixed axis of rotationdisposed generally parallel to the front element 48. Arrangement 73incorporates a barrel-shaped roller. As will be described more fullyhereinafter, the framework 46 is arranged to be pivoted in a horizontalare about an axis situated in the vicinity of the front corner 76.Accordingly, the fixed roller arrangement 78 is disposed at this cornerof the framework 46 and casters 64 are disposed at the remaining cornersof the framework. As will also be brought out more fully hereinafter,the framework 46 is not directly connected to the fixed roller 78.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the convertible bed 20 isprovided with a wooden structure 80 which serves as a headboard for thebed in the nighttime mode of use and which'serves as an armrest for thedaytime mode of use. The wooden member 80 is screwed or otherwisesuitably secured to a reinforcing bracket 82; and as is best shown inFIG. 9, the bracket 82 covers two adjacent sides of a bottom rail 34 ofthe member 80 and embraces adjacent sides of upright elements 86 and 88in the vicinity of their respective junctures with the rail 84.

Considerin FIG. 5, the bracket s2 is joined to the side element 54 withthe vertical plate portions thereof disposed in face-to-facerelationship, the wooden member 80 being laterally spaced apart a smalldistance from the boxsprings unit 42 thereby.

Returning to FIG. 2, the element 34 of framework 26 will be seenprovided with a number of guide roller units 90 upstandingly spacedalong its longitudinal axis;

and as is well shown in FIG. 9, a roller unit 90 includes an invertedT-shaped mounting block 92 which is rigidly fastened to the element 34and which carries an axle 94 generally normal to the longitudinal axisthereof. Rollers 96 fashioned in the form of disc-like elements aremounted on the axle 94 to be rotatable thereabout; and as is shown inFIG. 7, the rollers 96 extend above the upper surface of mounting block92 in order to contact an inverted channel element 98 of an elongatedguide track indicated generally by the numeral 100. The guide track 100also includes laterally disposed angle elements 102 and 104 which arerigidly secured to the channel 98 on the opposite sides thereof todefine spaced apart, underlying guides for the rollers 96. Withreference to FIGS. 6 and 9, the guide track 100 will be noted further toinclude a bracket 106 fitted and secured to the front end of channel 98and rigidly fastened to the frame of fixed roller arrangement 78.

A pivot-defining element 108, shown in FIG. 9, is fastened to the sideof guide track 100 generally beneath the bracket 82 as is shown in FIG.6, welding, bolting or other suitable means being employed. At itsforward end, the element 108 is provided with a vertical aperture 110which is aligned with the vertical bore of a bushing or bearing 112 thatis seated in the bottom end of upright element 88 extending through thefloor of bracket 82. A headed cam sleeve 114 passes through aperture 110with its head 116 bearingly disposed between element 108 and theundersurface of bracket 82, cam sleeve 114 being non-rotatably mountedto the element 108 by means of a pin 118 upstanding from the element 108and engaging a peripheral notch 120 fash ioned in the head 116. A shaft122 passes slidably and rotatably through the bearing 112 and throughthe central bore of sleeve 114 whereby to define a vertical pivot axisfor swinging movement of the mattress framework 46 relative to theframework 26.

Sliding movement of framework 46 relative to framework 26 in a straightline direction generally parallel to the lateral element 34 isfacilitated by means of the interaction of roller units 90 and guidetrack 100; and swinging movement of the framework 46 relative to theframework 26 is occasioned by the interaction of pivotdefining element108, bushing 112, cam sleeve 114 and shaft 122. In accordance with animportant feature of the invention, means are provided for selectivelylocking the framework 46 against sliding movement or against swingingmovement relative to the framework 26. These latter means include atiltable arm 124 shown in FIGS. 3 and 9. The arm 124 carries a rigidlyfastened pivot block 126 which is provided with a horizontal bore 128for rotatably receiving a pin 130 that extends laterally outwardly fromthe guide track 100.

The arm 124 also carries a vertical pin 132 spaced longitudinally apartfrom the pivot block 126, the pin 132 being advantageously held inposition by means of a housing 134 mounted to the arm 124. Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8, the pin 132 passes slidably through arm 124 and housing134 and has a collar 136 fastened to it within the housing 134. Acompression spring 137 acts between arm 124 and collar 136 to bias pin132 in an upward direction, collar 136 abutting the top plate portion ofhousing 134 to arrest movement of pin 132 in this direction. Thisarrangement of pin 132 permits downward movement thereof for negotiatingobstacles but normally maintains it in readiness for latching action.

The pin 132 extends from both sides of arm 124 in order to enter eitheran aperture 138 formed in a plate 140 or in aligned bores 142 fashionedin the bracket 82 and in the rail 84. The plate 140 is riveted orotherwise suitably mounted to the side of element 34 and, as is shown inFIG. 9, incorporates a cam surface 144 at the forward end thereof forleading the pin 132 into the aperture 138 upon rearward sliding movementof the framework 46 toward the framework 26. Similarly, a cam surface146 is fashioned in the side of rail 84 and in the adjacent edge ofbracket 82 for purposes of leading the pin 132 into the bores 142 uponswinging of the framework 46 generally toward the element 34.

Intermediate the pivot block 126 and the pin 132, the arm 124 carries acompression spring 148 that is mounted on a guide pin 150 fixed to thearm 124. Spring 148 acts between the arm 124 and the undersurface of thehorizontal plate portion of pivot defining element 108, biasing the arm124 in a downward direction in order to urge the pin 132 generally intoengagement with the aperture in plate 140. If desired, a guard bracket152 can be afiixed to the element 108 extending a vertical plate portionover the side of pivot block 126. This is shown in FIG. 5.

According to the disclosure of FIG. 9, the forward end portion 154 ofthe tiltable arm 124 is downwardly offset and is fashioned with anaperture 156. The threaded lower end portion 158 of shaft 122 extendsfreely through this aperture, and a pair of nuts 160 are assembled onthe end of portion 158 in locked relationship to abut the upper surfaceof arm portion 154'.

An operating knob assembly indicated generally by the numeral 162 inFIG. 9 is mounted to the opposite end of shaft 122; and the knobarrangement 162 specifically includes a knob element 164 which carries across-pin 166. The cross-pin 166 is adapted to reside in an axial slot168 fashioned in the end of shaft 122 non-rotatably mounting the knob164 to the shaft. Turning to FIGS. 10 and 11, the knob 164 will be seento include a hollow cylindrical portion 170 which slidably receives theslotted end of shaft 122 and which is itself received in a sleevebushing 172. The cylindrical portion 170 of knob 164 is fashioned with aperipheral groove 174; and a set screw 176 progressively enters ahorizontal, threaded bore formed in the wall of sleeve 172, the innerend of set screw 176 entering and riding in the groove 174.

When the bed 20 is assembled, the shaft 122 is adapted to ride in avertical groove 178 milled in the side of upright element 88; and sincethe sleeve bushing 172 is fixed in the upper end ofelement 88, the setscrew 176 permits rotation of knob 164 while precluding axial movementthereof. Rotation of the knob 164 is transmitted to the shaft 122 bymeans of the pin 166; and because of the appreciable length of slot 168;this rotational driving of the shaft 122 is capable of beingsimultaneously accompanied by axial movement of the shaft. The purposesfor such axial movement of the shaft 122 will now be brought out.

The cam sleeve 114, describedhereinabove, is fashioned with an annularcam surface 180 at its lower end; and this cam surface cooperates with afollower pin 182 fixed transversely in the shaft 122 as is shown in FIG.9. Thus, rotation of shaft 122 causes the follower pin 182 to traversethe cam surface 180; and because of the peaks and troughs defined by thecam surface, such rotation of the shaft 122 is accompanied by axialoscillatory movement thereof. These axial movements of the shaft 122 aretransmitted to the arm 124 by means of the locked nuts 160 pressuringlyengaging the offset portion 156. Tilting of the arm 124 results.Accordingly, rotation of the knob 164 is able to direct the pin 132upwardly in opposition to the bias of spring 148 and into engageablerelationship with the aligned bores 142. Similarly, rotation of knob 164is capable of retracting the nuts 160 allowing the bias of spring 148 todirect the pin 132 into engageable relationship with the aperture 138 inplate 140. As will be recognized, this arrangement permits selectivelocking of the framework 46 to the element 34 of framework 26.

Advantageously, means are provided for arresting the swinging movementsof framework 46 back toward the framework 26. Therefore, a stop plate186 fashioned in the form of a right angular bracket is fastened to theundersurface of element 54 as is indicated in FIGS. 2 and 5. This stop186 is positioned adjacent the rear elemerit S2 to engage the element102 of guide track 100 when the convertible bed structure 20 ispositioned in the daytime mode of use. This position is indicated inFIG. 5.

In addition, it is desirable tolatch the mattress framework 46 relativeto the backrest framework 26 in the daytime mode. Accordingly, avertically adjustable latch plate 188 is mounted to the lower horizontalelement 28 as is shown in FIG. 2. The latch plate 188 is provided with arecess or depression 190 and a cam surface 192 forwardly thereof. Aroller 194 is cooperatively mounted on the element 52 to be lead intorecess 1% by the cam surface 192 upon movement of the mattress framework46 toward the upright portion of backrest framework 26. Seating of theroller 194 in the recess 190 serves to hold the framework 46 in positionfixed relative to the framework 26 in the daytime mode of use. Theweight of the boxspring unit 42 and the mattress 44 and, of course, theweight of any person seated on the convertible bed structure tend tokeep the roller 194 in its position in the recess 190. However, therecess 1% is arranged to be relatively shallow so that a forward manualpulling on the framework 46, as by use of a pull strap and ringarrangement 196 (shown in FIG. 1), can cause the roller 194 to ride outof the recess 190.

the aperture 138 of plate 140 and that it is desired to' convert the bedstructure by a swinging movement, it is only necessary to grasp the ringof strap arrangement 196 and to pull thereon. In response, the mattressframework 46 will swing or pivot about the axis defined by eam sleeve114 and the aperture in element 108. Side frame element 54 and the headrest supporting bracket 82 pass over the track unit 100 as the bed isswung in an are. It is to be recognized that the roller 194 will beurged out of recess 190 at the initiation of this activity. Moreover,the casters 64 will pivot about their vertical axes for movement inappropriate arcs to permit swinging action of the mattress framework 46.

This swinging action is not prevented by the locking means of theinvention since the pin 132 is disposed in engagement with the plate140; and as will be seen in FIG. 7, this arrangement permits the bottomrail 84 of the wooden member 80 to pass freely over the arm 124 and itspin 132. The pin 132, of course, is established and maintained in thiscondition by the bias of spring 148, unopposed by any axial relocationof the shaft 122.

Return of the convertible bed structure is readily achieved by pushingon the mattress or boxsprings causing the framework 46 to pivotbackwardly toward the backrest framework 26 until the stop 186 engagesthe side of track unit 106 as is shown in FIG. 5. In this position, theroller 194 will have ridden up over the cam surface 192 and into therecess 190.

Thereafter, if it is desired to convert the bed structure 20 by asliding action, it is necessary to rotate the knob 164 so as to causethe annular surface 180 to coact with the follower pin 182 resulting inan axially downward shifting of the shaft 122. This movement will beaccompanied by a tilting of arm 124 about pin 130 because of the nuts160 forcingly abutting the upper surface of the offset portion 156. Thistilting of the arm 124 will raise the pin 132 out of the aperture 138against the bias of spring 148 and into the aligned bores 142.Thereupon, manually pulling on the ring of strap arrangement 196 willresult in a forward sliding of the mattress framework 46 in a straightline generally normal or perpendicular to the backrest assembly 22. Onceagain, roller 124 will be urged out of recess 1%; and in addition, thetrack will ride over the roller units 90 guiding the sliding movement ofthe framework 46. In the course of this sliding movement, the pivotdefined by cam sleeve 114 and the aperture in element 108 will slidewith the track unit 100 since the plate 188 is afiixed thereto. Thecasters 64 will pivot about their vertical axes and assume properorientation to cooperate in this sliding movement of the framework 46;and it will be recognized thatthe casters 64 will be generally alignedwith the fixed roller 78 for this sliding action.

Reconversion of the bed structure 20 requires only a pushing of themovable framework 46 back toward the stationary framework 26 until theroller 194 is once again repositioned in the recess 190. It is to bepointed out that, should the knob 164 have been accidentally operated orjarred so as to retract the shaft 122 and release the arm 124 to controlby the spring 148, the downward tilting of the arm will not result in ashearing action between the plate 140 and the pin 132 because of theprovision of cam surface 144, cam surface 144 being provided withsufficient slope to accommodate the pin 132 and to lead it into theaperture, 138.

Similarly, if the knob 164 is caused to direct tilting of the arm 124when the mattress 46 is swung away therefrom, return ofthe movableframework will not result in shearing abutment of the member 80 and thepin 132, cam surface 146 cooperating with the spring 137 in guiding thepin 132 into the aligned bores 142.

The specific example herein shown and described should be consideredillustrative only. Various changes in structure may occur to thoseskilled in the art; and these changes are to be understood as forming apart of this invention insofar as they fall within the spirit and scopeof the appended claims.

' The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A convertible bed structure comprising: a backrest framework adaptedto take a stationary position and including a laterally extendingelement; a mattress framework; a plurality of rollable supportassemblies supporting said mattress frameworkfor movement relative tosaid backrest framework; an element juxtaposed from said laterallyextending element and having a vertical aperture therethrough; aplurality of rollers fixed to one of said elements; track means fixed tothe other of said elements coacting with said rollers for slidingmovement of said mattress framework relative to said backrest framework;a tiltable arm; means on said track means mounting said arm to betiltable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of saidtrack means; a generally vertical pin extending through said arm spacedapart from the tiltable axis thereof in one direction; a pair ofhole-defining means each of which is fixed relative to a said framework,said pair of hole-defining means being respectively alignable withopposite ends of said pin; an upright shaft axially slidably androtatably mounted on said mattress framework; a sleeve fixed againstvertical movement relative to said mattress frame work slidably androtatably passing said shaft therethrough, said sleeve defining anannular cam surface at one end and being received in said aperture tocooperate in defining a pivot axis for swinging movement of saidmattress framework; a transverse pin on said shaft coacting with saidcam surface to cause axial movement of said shaft upon rotation thereof;and means on said shaft engaging said arm at a point spaced apart fromthe tiltable axis thereof in the opposite direction from said verticalpin for selectively tilting said arm to cause entrance of said verticalpin in the hole of a said holedefining means, thereby locking saidmattress framework against sliding or against swinging relative to saidbackrest framework.

2. A convertible bed structure according to claim 1 wherein each of saidsupport assemblies includes an ellipsoidal roller.

3. In a conventible bed arrangement, the combination comprising: astationary framework structure including a backrest and a laterallyprojecting formation; a movable framework structure adapted to supportbed elements; a plurality of rollable support assemblies supporting saidmovable framework structure for movement relative to said stationaryframework structure; interacting track and roller means alignedlaterally of said stationary framework structure and connectedindividually to said laterally projecting formation and to said movableframework structure for directing sliding movement of said movableframework structure relative to said sta tionary framework structure;pivot means for said movable framework structure connected to a portionof said interacting track and roller means for sliding movement withsaid movable framework structure; a tiltable arm; a fulcrum for saidtiltable arm fixed with respect to said pivot means to be movabletherewith and for connecting said arm to said movable frameworkstructure; a first engaging member on said arm; cooperating secondengaging members on each of said stationary and movable frameworkstructures for cooperative engagement by said first engaging member; andmeans on said movable framework structure for selectively tilting saidarm to direct interengagement of said first engaging member withaselected second engaging member whereby to lock said movable frameworkstructure to said stationary framework structure for preventing relativesliding movement or to said pivot means through said arm for preventingrelative swinging movement.

4. The combination according to claim 3 which further comprises meansdefining a cam surface adjacent each of said second engaging members forleading said first engaging member into engagement therewith upon returnof said movable framework structure from a position away from saidbackrest.

5. The combination according to claim 3 which further comprises meansbiasing said first engaging member toward one of said second engagingmembers.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,899,691 Davis et al Aug. 18, 1959 2,909,789 Bailey Oct. 27, 19592,955,297 Bailey Oct. 11, 1960 2,964,778 Frey Dec. 20, 1960 2,986,746Jackson June 6, 1961 3,035,277 Sproule May 22, 1962 3,049,723Thierfelder Aug. 21, 1962 3,076,977 Maguire Feb. 12, 1963

3. IN A CONVERTIBLE BED ARRANGEMENT, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING: ASTATIONARY FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE INCLUDING A BACKREST AND A LATERALLYPROJECTING FORMATION; A MOVABLE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE ADAPTED TO SUPPORTBED ELEMENTS; A PLURALITY OF ROLLABLE SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES SUPPORTING SAIDMOVABLE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE FOR MOVEMENT RELATIVE TO SAID STATIONARYFRAMEWORK STRUCTURE; INTERACTING TRACK AND ROLLER MEANS ALIGNEDLATERALLY OF SAID STATIONARY FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE AND CONNECTEDINDIVIDUALLY TO SAID LATERALLY PROJECTING FORMATION AND TO SAID MOVABLEFRAMEWORK STRUCTURE FOR DIRECTING SLIDING MOVEMENT OF SAID MOVABLEFRAMEWORK STRUCTURE RELATIVE TO SAID STATIONARY FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE;PIVOT MEANS FOR SAID MOVABLE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE CONNECTED TO A PORTIONOF SAID INTERACTING TRACK AND ROLLER MEANS FOR SLIDING MOVEMENT WITHSAID MOVABLE FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE; A TILTABLE ARM; A FULCRUM FOR SAIDTILTABLE ARM FIXED WITH RESPECT TO SAID PIVOT MEANS TO BE MOVABLETHEREWITH AND FOR CONNECTING SAID ARM TO SAID MOVABLE FRAMEWORKSTRUCTURE; A FIRST ENGAGING MEMBER ON SAID ARM; COOPERATING SECONDENGAGING MEMBERS ON EACH OF SAID STATIONARY AND MOV-